Interventional Radiology

We manage all parts of your treatment plan.

Interventional radiology is an integral part of comprehensive patient care, capable of providing less-invasive techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of health problems. The interventional radiology team at Austin Cancer Center is a dedicated group of health care professionals who are highly skilled, innovative, and committed to providing the highest quality of patient care for our patients and the community. The most common procedures, listed below, are usually performed on an outpatient basis, often under local anesthesia with intravenous moderate sedation.

Biopsies

Procedures performed by an interventional radiology specialist are becoming increasingly important in the management of patients with cancer. Interventional radiology procedures include imaging-guided biopsies to obtain samples for cytologic or pathologic testing without affecting adjacent structures. Common biopsy sites include lung, liver, lymph node, abdomen, pancreas, prostate, soft tissue, bone (vertebral, marrow with aspiration, deep, and superficial), and thyroid FNA.

Drainages

Post-op abscess, thoracentesis, and paracentesis

PAC Placement and Removal

Portacath placement is a medical procedure to implant a small medical appliance under the skin. The device includes a catheter that connects the port to a vein. Under the skin, the port has a septum through which drugs can be injected and blood samples can be drawn many times, usually with less discomfort for the patient than a more typical “needle stick.”

Once healed, the port should not affect the patient’s daily activities, such as bathing. When the port is no longer needed, it can be surgically removed in another outpatient procedure.

Gold Fiducial Placements

Internal gold fiducials are necessary for tracking the translational and rotational movements of target lesions during stereotactic radiosurgery. The fiducials are generally placed under image guidance in and around the lesions by our interventional radiologist. A fiducial marker is a small gold seed about the size of a grain of rice (0.8mm to 5mm). It is useful in helping focus, or target, the radiation therapy to the area most needed while sparing surrounding tissue.
MRI Prostate Biopsies * Off Site

Testimonials

I know that it is still early in the game, but following dad’s Cyber Knife treatment on Tuesday, he has had no pain and no side effects. He is a new man, and is gently stepping back on to the ice a little at a time.

Dr. Downie is the kind of doctor you want on your cancer team. He wants to win the race; he’s sharp, he’s competitive, and he wants you to beat cancer. He’s the runner that’s going encourage you every step of the way. Dr. Downie is a compassionate listener, someone who really considers what his patients have to say. He stops to think about and analyze their concerns and questions before giving an answer.

My first round of chemotherapy went well. Everyone there is friendly and in good spirits. Stacy is great at drawing blood. She does it with ease and a charming smile. Wendy was great at taking time to talk to me about the infusion and keep me company during the long first session, Dodi has been great with all the financial stuff!

Dr. Brown, through your efforts to meet the needs of your patients, you really do bring a positive reflection on the medical community. Thanks again so very much for helping our Pops.

Dear Dr. Vin, I just wanted to express my gratitude for you kind compassionate manner with my Grandma… When we were in the room, I got to witness your extraordinary calm presence and the care you took to just be there for her and not rush off to the next patient.